Three times the Bible records the words God speaks to Jesus directly from heaven.
The first is at Jesus’ baptism.
And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matt. 3:17 NIV)
God is well pleased with Jesus. He delights in him. All Jesus does is good. Jesus lived a life to be emulated. A life to be followed. Therefore, we are called to be his disciples.
The second is on the mountain where Jesus is transfigured.
While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 7:5 NIV)
On this occasion, God gives us specific instructions with regard to our relationship with Jesus. We are to listen to him. To listen is to heed, to pay attention to. To listen is to obey. To listen is to trust.
We seem to say a great deal about the importance of listening to Jesus. So does the Bible. It doesn’t take much awareness to realize how much we all need to be reminded of this one and essential commandment from God.
The third time God spoke to Jesus? John 12:28.